Swimming Development Conference 2008: 20th - 21st June

'Strategy to Reality' was the theme of this year’s conference with presentations and activities looking at how the asa can develop their 2009-2013 Strategy.

Designed to bring together professional staff and members of the volunteer workforce from the key National and Regional Boards, the conference was attended by approximately 70 staff and volunteers over the two days being held at Burleigh Court, Loughborough.

the asa’s Schools Club Link Co-ordinator for PESSYP (PE and Sports Strategy for Young People) Jon Glenn, chaired the event and welcomed speakers from partners such Sport England and Department of Children Schools and Families as well as the asa’s Chief Executive, David Sparkes.

Norman Bragg, from RHWL Arts Team, opened the Conference.

Throughout the two days a series of workshops, led by asa staff, focussed on key themes of the Strategy :

Learn to Swim - Jon Glenn and Sally Skipper
Lifelong Participation - Nuala Muir-Cochrane and Kate Sergeant
Athlete Development - David Legged, Fred Furness and Nick Sellwood
Volunteering - Yvette Heywood.

The sessions were able to look at the strategy in depth and give feedback on the key messages and how we can deliver them.

The conference reinforced that the next four years are going to be times of great challenge and excitement for sport, however, we are unlikely to have this opportunity again and we must get it right. The 2009-2013 Strategy allows the ASA to take a lead and deliver a world class system for aquatics, but we must work with our partners more closely and ensure we all have a clear vision and ability to deliver on key outcomes.

Speakers presentations are below.